HOMEGROWN: Plantation Steak & Fish House

Keith and Brenda Norton purchased Plantation Steak & Fish House from Martha and Joe Holland in 2000. The Hollands built and opened the restaurant in 1983.
Joe Holland, 50 and unemployed at the time, and he said the only thing he knew about food was that he liked it. But the couple had people with good knowledge and others eager to learn, and survived with the Lord’s help, he said.
Martha Holland said when she asked someone what she needed to do when she opened the restaurant, she was told, “Just pretend this is your house and you have a lot of company coming.”
“I began work with the Hollands in 1984 through 1985 as a waitress and we have always been like one big family. When they wanted to sell and Keith and I bought it, it was like keeping it in the family,” Brenda Norton said.
As the Plantation celebrates 30 years of business, the restaurant still has many of its original customers. Now they’re bringing in their children and grandchildren.
“We have the same menu, but have added a steak for two 32 ounce. sirloin and grilled fillets, which have proven to be very popular,” Brenda said.
The salad bar with homemade potato salad still is made from Martha Holland’s recipe, and it receives compliments for its freshness.
In addition to drawing customers from Monroe County, Plantation’s customers also come from several areas in Alabama, Fulton, Okolona, Fulton and other neighboring areas.
In addition to steaks and whole and filleted fish, the menu also includes chopped sirloin steak, hamburger steak, boiled and fried shrimp, grilled chicken and pork.
“We also sell a lot of chicken livers, and folks love our homemade onion rings,” Brenda Norton said. “Our baked sweet potatoes and sweet potato fries are also popular.”
Homemade desserts include pecan pie, lemon ice box pie and Butterfinger cake.
Plantation Steak & Fish House also has gift certificates and is available during the week for private parties of 40 or more.
– Alice Ortiz, Monroe Journal

ESTABLISHED.: 1983

OWNERS: Keith and Brenda Norton

LOCATION: 60092 Pecan Road, Smithville

EMPLOYEES: 8

PHONE: (662) 651-4477

HOURS: Thursday-Saturday 4 p.m to 9 p.m.; Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Sunday Journal spotlights a locally owned business. To nominate a business, contact Dennis Seid at (662) 678-1578 or dennis.seid@journalinc.com.